🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Kwara targets 1.2 million women and children for free healthcare program
via Punch Nigeria10 min read
The Kwara State Government plans to provide free healthcare services to approximately 1.2 million women and children during the 2026 Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week, scheduled from June 8 to June 12. This initiative, implemented across all 16 local government areas, aims to enhance maternal and child health outcomes and broaden access to essential primary healthcare. Prof. Nusirat Elelu, Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency, announced that the program will offer integrated services to pregnant women, children under five, and eligible nine-year-old girls at no cost. Services include routine immunisation, Vitamin A supplementation, deworming, nutrition screening, growth monitoring, antenatal care, birth registration, HIV prevention services, and Human Papillomavirus vaccination for eligible girls. The program targets over one million children under five, about 200,000 pregnant women, and more than 7,000 eligible nine-year-old girls. Preparations are complete, with trained health workers, strengthened logistics, and community mobilisation efforts. Services will be available at primary healthcare centers and outreach locations like markets and palaces. School-based health teams will administer HPV vaccines to reduce cervical cancer burden. Elelu commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq's investment in healthcare and acknowledged development partners' contributions, urging participation to reduce maternal and child mortality.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Former Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi will be inscribed on the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs Sports Diplomacy Wall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to Nigerian football. This was confirmed by former Super Eagles captain Segun Odegbami during a memorial lecture in Lagos. The NIIA Sports Diplomacy Wall of Fame is a national monument established by the Federal Government to immortalize Nigerians who have significantly contributed to Nigeria’s international politics and diplomatic objectives through sports. Keshi's role in advancing Nigeria's foreign relations through football will be acknowledged at a ceremony on July 28, one day before the 10th anniversary of his burial. The event also marks three years since the monument was erected within the NIIA premises in Lagos, with sponsorship from Dr Allen Onyema and Air Peace. Odegbami stated that Keshi, a former Nigerian Green Eagles captain and national team coach, has been deemed worthy by the NIIA. Keshi played and captained the Nigerian national football team, coached Nigeria to an African Cup victory, and led Togo to the FIFA World Cup. He also assisted a generation of Nigerian and African football players in transitioning to professional ranks in Europe. Keshi, who died on June 7, 2016, at 54, won the Africa Cup of Nations as both captain in 1994 and coach in 2013, and led Nigeria to the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He was named CAF Coach of the Year twice, in 2005 and 2013.
Professor Funso Afolabi, Chairman of the Governing Council of Yaba College of Technology, stated that Nigeria's tertiary institutions possess the capacity to develop innovative security technologies and community-based solutions for the nation's security challenges. Speaking during a visit by the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti Kingdom, Oba Adeola Ajakaiye, Afolabi emphasized that universities and polytechnics have the intellectual resources and research capabilities to create homegrown technological solutions supporting national security objectives. He advocated for a national policy framework to strengthen collaboration among tertiary institutions, traditional institutions, and local communities, noting that modern traditional rulers are critical stakeholders in education, security, and economic development. Afolabi also highlighted the importance of increased investment in technical and vocational education to address unemployment and skills deficits. The Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Adeola Ajakaiye, described his visit as a strategic engagement aimed at fostering developmental outcomes, expressing optimism that YABATECH's expertise could contribute to indigenous security solutions. The Rector of YABATECH, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, reaffirmed the college's commitment to empowering young Nigerians, especially girls, through entrepreneurship and skills acquisition programs.
Former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins has expressed confidence that outstanding players from the inaugural Italian Consulate General U-20 Cup in Lagos possess the skills for Serie A careers. Martins, who played for Inter Milan and Newcastle United, served as an ambassador for the tournament and pledged to use his connections to link top talents with European clubs. The six-day competition, held from June 2-7 at Mobolaji Johnson Stadium, was organized by the Italian Consulate General in Lagos to identify youth talent and foster cultural exchange between Nigeria and Italy. Eight teams, including Okaka FC, Plateau United, Bendel Insurance, and 36 Lions FC, participated. Tournament organizer Emmanuel Omijeh noted that the quality of players exceeded expectations, making the selection of 20 prospects for a trip to Italy challenging from 40 scouted stars. Italian Consul General Ugo Bani and former Super Eagles midfielder Christian Obodo, who also had a distinguished Serie A career, praised the tournament's success and the high standard of play. Tournament technical director Ken Enofe and chairman Kofo Williams also commended the talent on display, acknowledging the need for further coaching. The winning team and selected standout players will travel to Italy for trials with the goal of securing professional contracts.